TEHRAN – Uganda has shown interest in boosting cooperation with Iran in the field of information and communication technology (ICT), seeking Iranian experience to develop human resources.

The deputy prime minister of Uganda, Lukia Isanga Nakadama, asked for Iran’s assistance to help train ICT graduates in Uganda and expand their practical skills, IRIB reported.

She made the remarks in a meeting with the Iranian ICT minister, Issa Zarepour, in Tehran on Thursday.

Zarepour, for his part, highlighted that Iranian technical and engineering companies have already carried out important infrastructure projects in African and non-African countries, adding that the country is willing to conduct similar projects in ICT in Uganda.

Also, Iranian companies are ready to transfer expertise to their Ugandan counterparts, invest in ICT, and meet their needs in ICT, he noted.

Stressing the significance of bolstering ICT cooperation between the two countries, he went on to introduce Iran's expertise in infrastructure development including post, space technology, and electronic government.

The official said that an Iranian delegation is scheduled to pay a visit to Uganda in the coming week.

Following up on the bilateral agreement reached during President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to Uganda for the provision of technical and engineering services to expand the fourth and fifth generation of mobile phone technologies, and the introduction of capable Iranian companies to implement ICT projects were among the main topics discussed during the meeting.

Supporting the promotion of telecommunication and communication technologies, and conducting necessary investigations to create platforms for realizing the digital economy were among other points discussed. 

Iran plans to strengthen African ties

On April 30, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian stated that Iran is determined to strengthen and expand its relations with African nations based on mutual interest and respect.

The top diplomat made the remarks during a meeting with the Central African Minister for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. During the meeting, Amir Abdollahian highlighted the importance of expanding relations with the African continent as a key priority of Iran's foreign policy.

The official expressed Iran's readiness to enhance bilateral cooperation with Central Africa, especially in areas such as agriculture, science, technology, and education.

Ngate Robard, for his part, commended Iran for its hosting of the second Iran-Africa Summit and Expo Tehran 2024, emphasizing the significance of these events.

The Central African Minister also praised Iran's advancements in various scientific, technological, and industrial sectors, while acknowledging the warm hospitality extended during his visit.

Iran has been seeking to strengthen ties with African nations since President Raisi’s administration took office. Raisi visited Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe last year, and signed various documents to up bilateral cooperation in different fields.

During a meeting held in Tehran on May 1,  Zarepour, and the Minister of Trade and Industrial Development of Tanzania, Omar Said Shaaban, agreed on developing cooperation in areas related to information and communication technology, IRNA reported.

Lauding the expertise of Iranian companies in the field of information and communication technology, Said Shaaban expressed optimism that Tanzania would benefit from the capabilities of Iranian companies to develop ties between the two countries.

Zarepour, for his part, referred to Iran's strategy to enhance relations with African countries, especially Tanzania, announcing Iran's readiness to take steps in this regard.

Status of ICT in Iran

The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology is the highest authority in the field of ICT in the country. All activities related to the information and communication technology industry are directly related to the ministry.

According to Zarepour, the government pays special attention to plans and policies in this sector in order to maximize the use of ICT to facilitate people's lives.

The successful designing, building, and launching of a satellite show the growth of the national technology and scientific power of a country.

MT/MG